Challenging words of St Paul, today in Eph.5:21
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church…” How is a man supposed to live up to that—to give his life up for his bride as Christ died, crucified and scorned, for the Church?
But this difficulty is the key. Both husband and wife are, by the bond of marriage, committed to pouring out their hearts for their partner. To lay down one’s life daily, to look past the little things, to give in on a frustrating situation, to constantly choose the other’s preference rather than one’s own...this is sacrificial love. This is the love of Christ. And, as St. Paul says, “This is a great mystery.” For this love, which is possible in married life, reveals to us the love of Christ and the Church. A love that is total—without reservation or qualification—a love that is fruitful, a love that is lasting, a love that endures. May we be given the grace to live this selfless love. (Aletia)





